Initially the choice of eReaders was very limited but, as the question suggests, numerous manufacturers now offer them.

This isn't a question that has a straight forward answer  - instead, the answer is a list of five questions (and there may well be more) that you need to ask yourself or, if you are purchasing for an organisation the very same questions need answers...

  • What file formats will the eReader support?
    Some eReaders are limited in the types of documents they will allow users to read. For example, some manufacturers lock you into using only eBooks purchased from their eBook store.

    This might not be a problem for some. Many learning providers may wish for eReaders that can display documents produced by the organisation -e.g PDF documents and Microsoft Word documents (Note: most documents produced can be turned into pdfs).
  • What types of publications do you/the users want to read?
    As I've just suggested, you/the organisation needs to consideration the type of publications users will be reading. If they are only planning to read novels, any eReader will probably do. However, if users are planning to read magazines and newspapers, they will probably want an eReader that can display graphic images. They will also need to make sure that the device chosen can be used with a source that delivers the types of content users are interested in.
  • Will digital rights management (DRM) be an issue?
    I'm a bit out of my depth of knowledge here but some eBooks and most of the audio books that are available for download are copy protected through a mechanism called digital rights management, or DRM. Apparently, some eReaders do not support the use of DRM-protected content.

    After some research I've found out that the problem with DRM is that some providers use it as a way of locking users into a subscription for life; accessing them may require monthly/yearly subscription fees. Even worse, users may discover that if they cancel subscriptions, they loose access to the publications already downloaded.
  • What extra features are required?
    Not all eReaders are created equal. Some eReaders are nothing more than a platform for viewing electronic publications. Others have lots of bells and whistles. e.g. some eReaders will allow users to...
    • highlight text;
    • take notes on what is being read (this technology is very much in the early stages of development - yet to mature);
    • play audio books; and
    • access the internet via Wi-Fi connectivity, including built a in Web browser.
  • How and where will the eReader be used?
    For example, if users need to read ePublications while outside (this would apply to many work-based learners/assessors etc.), an e-reader should probably be purchased with a high contrast black and white screen that will show up well in bright sun light.

    If users are going to be spending a lot of time away from power sources, something that has a high capacity and long battery life should be considered.

    Storage capacity is also an important consideration for most learning providers; eReaders that have built in SD card readers (or other card readers), enable users to load ePublications on a series of "cards" and therefore they are not limited by the device's built-in storage capacity.
I hope this helps and if any reader has more questions that should be addressed do let me know.